Welcome to Marananga, a regional SA town which packs plenty of punch. Situated in the midst of the wine-rich Barossa region, eating and drinking is in no short supply. A visit to the vineyards are a non-negotiable; Appellation Restaurant at The Louise is a stand-out, as is Hentley Farm. But don’t fret if you’re not a fan of fine dining, casual fare also abounds. Drop by the South American-inspired El Estanco for open fire cooking in the courtyard, or revamped watering hole The Greenock. Though fine dining enthusiasts can’t afford to miss out on staġuni, hearty cuisine with a Maltese edge housed in a 1922 schoolhouse.

And then there’s near neighbour Aldinga is another small town with a big offering when it comes to food and drink. On any given visit to the seaside destination you’ll find your coffee choices plentiful; Goodness Coffee Co, complete with picturesque courtyard and pastry, is a favourite.Vegans and vegetarians will be pleased by wholefood haven The Slow Kitchen, but rather unexpectedly for its coastal location, it’s a South-East Asian venue which draws most applause; The Little Rickshaw that calls a 190-year-old blacksmith’s workshop home. And of course, you can’t go past the iconic Pearl Restaurant when in Aldinga. The beachside venue serves up a Mediterranean‑inspired seafood menu that makes the most of local produce.

Australia’s oldest German settlement (as you may have guessed from its name), Hahndorf has a number of edible homages to its past. There’s German-style cafe Hahndorf Kaffeehaus & Fine Foods, traditional German sausages at Wunderbar Dog Haus, and pick-your-own berry farm (and chutney connoisseurs) Beerenberg Family Farm. But there’s a rising number of new merchants too; grab specialty coffee at Pot Hahndorf, hearty panini or pasta at Ernest Deli or sip local gin at Ambleside Distillers.

Small but mighty may well be an apt description of Penneshaw, a teeny town (population 300) on the rugged Kangaroo Island just off the mainland. This place may be more remote than most but that’s not to say it doesn’t have plenty of drinking and dining options on hand to cater to its guests. The Penneshaw Pub on the clifftop serves tried and true dishes seven days a week, while the Kiosk is a breakfast and lunch favourite for locals. Procure some local goods (and a bite) at Millie Mae’s Pantry, or take in the day’s end at the appropriately named Sunset Food and Wine.

Unsurprisingly, the coastal town of Robe has a reputation for its seafood. It’s lobster which tends to draw most acclaim around here; try it for yourself at long-term resident Sails. Outside of crustaceans, local oysters and fresh fish have found themselves onto the menu at English-style pub The Caledonian Inn, a sandstone landmark that’s been pouring pints for the past 160 years. Aside from this duo of institutions is a smorgasbord of cafes; Drift Cafe and Union Cafe are two of the most popular. After a sweet treat? Try The Pastry Place.

Built on a dormant volcano, Mount Gambier is flanked by crater lakes. But for the foodies, what’s in town is just as beguiling to visitors. Cafes number in the many for curbing caffeine cravings; Bricks and Mortar Coffee Co, Hey Presto, and Cafe Melzar are all worth your while. After hours, there’s suave modern Australian at Elementary by Soul Co, the intimate restaurant seats just 23 people at a time. Or keep it casual at the Mount Gambier Hotel, which conveniently also offers accommodation (and pet-friendly rooms at that).

It’s not so much what you’ll find within this town’s borders, but what’s just outside which is worth an explore. The Clare Valley (and the town of Clare itself of course) are well acquainted with delicious dining experiences. The Watervale Hotel is a centrally located stand-out. Their Penobscot Restaurant pulls ingredients from its own organic farm, with just a 10-seat chef’s table degustation experience. And good news if you have a soft spot for Indian flavours; there’s the traditional Indii of Clare and fusion space Antidote Kitchen.

Nestled within McLaren Vale is the charming town of Willunga. With more than 550 vineyards and 90 cellar doors, paying a visit to the vineyards is compulsory. Many come coupled with equally delightful eateries; the innovative d’Arenburg Cube‘s cellar door among them. It’s not just wine country in these parts either, sip craft beers at Shifty Lizard Brewing Co or cocktails at The Almond Door. Or suss local produce at Willunga Farmers Markets.

Nudging Hahndorf, fellow Adelaide Hills resident Stirling is equally food-focused. This heritage town is easy on the eyes, and on the appetite with a rising hospitality scene. Sweet tooths will make a beeline for artisanal chocolatier Red Cacao. While an abundance of produce has given rise to locally-focused eateries like Patch, and the Sri Lankan-syle Marshi’s Kitchen. Then there’s a contemporary pub, the 110-year-old Stirling Hotel, with bistro, pizzerie, and patisserie. And Sticky Rice Cooking School, with the added bonus of accommodation on site.

This Fleurieu Peninsula resident may be most recognised for its whale-watching potential and unique horse-drawn trams. But food lovers will be just as chuffed with this regional SA town. Start your day strong with specialty beans and pastry at Planted Coffee House, or an old school bacon and egg roll at the historic Yilki Store. Lunch is best enjoyed at main street mainstay Nino’s, or curb your seafood cravings at The Original Fish and Chip Shop in town. Though it’s recommended to stray a little further into the luscious hills of the Hindmarsh Valley for Lost Phoenix Farm with a farm-to-table menu.